Speaker: Dato’ Azman Mahmud, CEO of MIDA

Date: 27 January 2021, Wednesday

Time: 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 a.m

On 27 January 2021, the Advanced Technology and Research & Development Division of MIDA collaborated with Intel Malaysia in successfully organising the virtual Artificial Intelligence for SMEs (AI4S). This event was a continuation of the first Axiomtek Artificial Intelligence Starter Kit launch on 18 August 2020, which led Intel Malaysia to award the AI Starter Kits to 100 selected companies in Malaysia. These identified SMEs will go through a comprehensive technology enabling process and training that will empower them to implement pilot projects in their settings to jump-start the Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Industry 4.0 journey.

During his keynote address, Dato’ Azman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA, said “While the country is gearing steadily into the knowledge and digital economy, Industry 4.0 adoption is deemed crucial for business survival and growth in innovation-led value creation.

There are untapped opportunities available for the business community, especially SMEs. We want more SMEs to step up to embrace new technologies in their business activity. We know that there are numerous local companies out there that are capable of AI technology adoption but are not aware of how and where to start.”

Dato’ Azman also suggested, “Moving forward I have proposed Intel to explore in enabling the universities in Malaysia to adapt and prepare the future workforce to embrace AI once they enter the job market. This graduate skill would reduce the colossal learning curve in work fields while saving employers’ precious time and resources in correcting them into expected abilities.”